Web-Based 3D Interactive Virtual Systems for Medical Instruments (AquaFlux and Epsilon)

AquaFlux and Epsilon are two research instruments that are designed and built by London South Bank University. They are used for human skin studies by measuring skin water loss and skin water content. These skin research instruments have now been commercialised and used in more than 200 organisations worldwide. However, due to the nature of these research devices, they often require on-site intensive training, which is expensive and time-consuming. There is a genuine need for an interactive virtual training environment that clients and trainees can access anytime from any location. Therefore, to overcome those issues, an interactive Virtual User Manual (VUM) system is proposed.

The AquaFlux and Epsilon VUM systems will consist of building and designing fully interactive virtual environments that are going to guide new clients, existing users, and trainees step-by-step on how to utilise, illustrate the features, functionalities of the research devices. Furthermore, they are going to demonstrate the operational procedure of AquaFlux and Epsilon in different interactive modes (3D animation and 360-Degree VR video). The VUMs are going to be available on the WWW to allow easy access to all users/clients remotely, nationally and internationally.

This project’s main objective is to design and develop a web-based virtual, interactive environment for these products AquaFlux and Epsilon. The project is divided into three phases. Phase one is to select the appropriate software to carry out the task of building all 3D objects and scenes, and this phase lasted until the very end of the design stage. Phase two is the development and implementation of designing the virtual AquaFlux and Epsilon interactive environment and going through the development processes. Phase three includes the creation of new hardware accessories and futuristic concepts that can enhance the way these research devices operate by adding extra features to their basic functionalities. By using 3ds Max and Adobe Flash applications, the highest results regarding quality, reality, usability, and functionality were achieved. 3ds Max is used to create all the 3D objects and scenes, whereas Adobe FlashCS6 is used to add interactivity. The developed interactive environment of AquaFlux and Epsilon has shown excellent results in the areas of accessibility, multiple access, usability, cost, and damage resistance. All previous points are illustrated and explained in detail in chapter five of this thesis.